A key aspect of the Varnum Continental’s mission is to preserve Rhode Island military history. To that end we are working with the Benefit Street Arsenal to professionally conserve and mount a priceless Rhode Island Civil War treasure: a Confederate artillery battery guidon flag captured by the 4th Rhode Island Volunteers after making a desperate […]

The June 12th Varnum Continentals members’ meeting will be held on the grounds of the Varnum House Museum. It’s a chance to kick back, enjoy the gardens, and socialize with your fellow Varnum Continentals. Burgers, hot dogs, BBQ grilled chicken and all the staples of a summer cook-out will be served, plus a choice of […]

On December 11, 2016, the Varnum House Museum hosted its Annual Colonial Yuletide Celebration featuring festive holiday decorations, live music, refreshments, and host guided tours by docents in period costume. We had over 100 visitors tour the museum and take in many new exhibits and revamped rooms in this 1773 mansion museum. We even had […]

On Monday, June 13, we had our annual Varnum Continentals Community Barbecue at the Varnum House Museum. What a great time! We had about 100 guests on the grounds for the celebration and taking tours of the newly-refreshed 1773 house museum (originally built by General James Mitchell Varnum). New Varnum House Docent Program Launched It […]

The Varnum House Museum was thrilled to launch its new docent program by giving tours to over 100 elementary school students in East Greenwich, RI. It was all hands on deck on June 2 when the new docents showed off our newly-renovated Varnum House Museum to the kids. As usual, the children showed great interest […]

We’d like to thank all the volunteers who came to the Varnum House Museum on April 9, 2016 to help us clean up the grounds and yard perimeter. There was lots of work to be done including the cleaning of leaves and yard debris, pruning bushes, limbing up trees, and a lot more. As you […]

Spring is here … and work at the Varnum House Museum is in full swing as the 2016 season approaches. Inside, the museum is starting to sparkle as painting and cleaning proceed. Outside, we are starting to tackle yard work. Many hands make light work, and we need yours. BRING YOUR RAKES AND WORK GLOVES. […]

The Varnum House Museum is gearing up for its 2016 season, and we are currently seeking volunteers to act as docents (tour guides). Training will be provided. Built in 1773, the House is the former manor home of General James Mitchell Varnum. Please contact Barbara Weaver at house@varnumcontinentals.org or call 401-377-0047.

Departing from our usual article of historic interest, this month we spoke with Armory Vice President & Museum Curator Patrick Donovan about some of the exciting developments going on both in the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum building and our collection. Q. Tell us a little about yourself. What brought you to Rhode Island? How did […]

We’ve been a bit flag challenged at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum for quite a while now due to old and worn out equipment. We’re happy to report that new flags have been re-mounted to the front of the armory museum with new hardware (along with solar-powered lights to keep them illuminated without wasting electricity). […]

Featured Posts

Another great exhibit at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum… The American Brass Band of Rhode Island was formed as a state-chartered military band in 1837 with Joseph C. Greene as its leader. The drum was donated to the band by the First Light Infantry of Rhode Island in 1845. In 1853, the band was incorporated […]

Welcome to the Varnum Continentals Website!

The Varnum Continentals are committed to the preservation of the historic heritage of our community, our state, and our nation. Please take a virtual tour of our museums to learn more about our mission to encourage patriotism. You can participate with us through active membership and/or philanthropic support in our non-profit organization. Donations are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law. Museum tours are welcomed and our facilities may be rented for suitable events.

Our Mission

The Varnum Continentals are committed to encourage patriotism through the Varnum Armory Museum, the Continental Militia, and the James Mitchell Varnum House and thus to preserve, support, and communicate the military history of our community, our state, and our nation.